Simple Stovetop Popcorn

Making fresh popcorn on your stovetop is delicious and surprisingly simple! All you need is a large pan or pot with a lid and some popcorn kernels. Homemade popcorn makes a great snack and can be made in advance to have on hand for later.

2 tablespoons popcorn kernels – about enough to cover the bottom of your sauce pot with one layer of kernels. (Note – Popping kernels grow a lot during cooking, more than you’d expect, so if you’re in doubt of whether you’ll have enough room in your pot or pan for all the popped corn, start with fewer kernels.)

Herbs and spices to taste

Directions:

Put a medium sauce pot on high heat. Coat the bottom of the pot with a thin layer of oil. Add three popcorn kernels and put a lid on the pot.

Once one or more of the kernels has popped, cover the bottom of the pot with a single layer of the remaining popcorn kernels and replace the lid.

Gently shake the pot over the heat source to prevent the kernels from burning. Continue shaking until most kernels have popped.

Turn off the heat and continue to shake for a few seconds to pop any final kernels.

To season popcorn, choose your preferred flavor combination (see suggestions above). To help herbs and spices stick, drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil over the popcorn, toss, season, and then toss again. (Med Tip: Season your popcorn while it’s still warm so it will better absorb oil and spices.)